Ernest J. Taggart, 46, of Stanton, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 19, 2019.He was born in Big Spring, TX, on May 9, 1973, to Frances and Gary Taggart.As a child, Ernie enjoyed riding on the tractor with his grandpa JW and Mr. Welch. He also enjoyed working outside on the farm with the farm hands. Ernie had a big heart for people, but also for animals. As a kid, he came upon an orphaned calf. He searched for the rightful home of the calf but wasn’t able to find it. Ernie kept the calf as a pet and named her Ernestine. He bottle fed her and they played for hours in the yard. They were such good friends, Ernestine would come to the back door looking for him when it was time for her bottle.Ernie played football and baseball, and loved to be around his family. As an adult, Ernie liked to watch football with his brother, was a grill master when it came time to barbeque and loved music. On his days off he often enjoyed spending time with family, cooking, listening to music and watching sports. He was a big fan of country and Christian music.Ernie married Erin Reeh in 1997. Their 2 children are Elizabeth Gerdsen and JT Taggart. He was living in Stanton, TX and working as a cook at Sonic.Ernie is survived by his mother Frances Hodges; wife Erin Taggart; children, Elizabeth (Derek) Gerdsen, and JT Taggart; uncle, Mike (Becky) Holt; brother, Thomas (Meagan) Hodges III; sisters, Josie Shober, and Frances (Jason) Hodges, and Gloria (John) Padilla; 2 grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father Gary Taggart; Thomas Hodges II; his grandparents JW and Frances Holt; and sister, Holly Hodges.“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and always dear.”Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com. ,
